kicff news
2025 KICFF Fall of Faith
Submissions are coming in from across the globe, including Japan, Mexico, Spain, Canada, and beyond, for our fall festival which began on August 1 and runs through November 30. A selection of awardeees will be announced on Club 36 WBPI TV49 on December 11, 2025. Awardees will also have the possibility of having thier project shown on our KICFF Presents… TV show, and/or a live showing at the 2026 RiseUP Tennessee at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN from April 10-11.
KICFF Presents...
On September 13, KICFF Presents… began airing our initial 22 weekly, 30-minute TV episodes on Watchmen Broadcasting in Augusta, GA and their many affiliates. The shows feature works of awardees from our first two award showcases. Exciting times are happening at the KICFF! Visit our next page "TV SHOW” for a list of upcoming episodes and to watch replays of the shows.
The Heart of the Great Smoky Mountains
2026 RiseUP Tennessee will be held in the same inspiring location as this year’s event, smack dab in the middle of East Tennessee’s entertainment district in Pigeon Forge. The area sits between Sevierville and Gatlinburg, and is filled with a wealth of family friendly entertainment. Make it a weekend, or week of fun in the amazingness of the Great Smokies! Submit your creative Christian project below.
Time to RISEUP
We are excited to announce another KICFF award showcase with the wonderful folks at RiseUP Tennessee 2026. As it was at our June 2025 showcase, KICFF is invited an guest to this event. All questions about RiseUp Tennessee, including vendors, celebrities, workshops, and all other weekend activities, should be directed to RiseUP Tennessee 2026 at the tab below. KICFF looks forward to seeing you on the Red Carpet and in the viewing rooms to see award-winning projects from filmmakers across the globe.
Kevin Sorbo
Kevin is best known for his starring roles in two television series: as Hercules in Hercules:The Legendary Journeys, and as Captain Dylan Hunt in Andromeda. Kevin is also known for his roles in Christian films such as God’s Not Dead and Let There Be Light.
Michael Sweet
Party on with the voice of STRYPER in an energetic concert with fellow faith-based music lovers. Michael Sweet is known as the co-founder, lead singer, and guitarist for pioneering the Christian rock band STRYPER, which has sold over ten million albums worldwide. From 2007 to 2011, Michael was a guitarist and co-vocalist for the band BOSTON.
Sam Sorbo
Networking Events
Sam played Serena in the television series Hercules:The Legendary Journeys and hosts the weekday, syndicated radio program, The Sam Sorbo Show.
Networking Events
Networking Events
Connect with fellow film enthusiasts and professionals, exchange ideas and forge new relationships at RiseUP Tennessee. Networking at our 2025 KICFF showcase at RiseUP Con brought about numerous new partnerships and projects in the works.
Award-Winning Films
Included in your RiseUP Tennessee ticket price is the opportunity to watch award-winning projects from creative Christians from across America, and perhaps the world. Our 2025 KICFF Showcase at RiseUP Con featured works from filmmakers and musicians from 12 states and Canada. It was a fabulous weekend.
Good Godly Fun
Hanging out with like-minded friends and enjoying life to the fullest, walking away from RiseUP Tennessee having made new and inspiring relationships.
prayer warriors at 2026 riseup tennessee
KHPN
KICFF Team Members received numerous prayer requests from filmmakers and attendees at RiseUP Con in June 2025. Thanks to Adam Phelps of 2026 RiseUP Tennessee, the KICFF team and our family from the Knoxville Chapter of the Hollywood Prayer Network, will have a dedicated Prayer Area adjacent to our Red Carpet Banner. This will be a fabulous addition to this upcoming event.
Music road hotel & convention center
A Short Walk
Attendees of 2026 RiseUP Tennessee who choose to stay at the gorgeous Music Road Hotel will have only a short stroll from their rooms to the Convention Center. Check with the hotel for RiseUp rates and add convenience and comfort to your experience.
Music Road Fireplace
Music Road Lobby
Promoting KICFF in georgia
BJ & Cameron
Blessed to fellowship with BJ & Cameron Arnett at CAPS Studios in Roberta, GA and talk about the KICFF. Thank you, BJ & Cameron for your time.
Dr. Amy, Richard, & Retha
Watching the premiere of KICFF Presents… TV show at CAPS Studios with inspiring new friends: Dr. Amy McKenzie (Co-owner CAPS Studios), Author/Entreprenuer Richard Lopresto, and Author Rhetha Evans Ezell. It was a very blessed time together.
Alex
Blessed that Director/Actor Alex Kendrick took time at CAPS Studios to let me share our story of the KICFF. Thank you, Alex, for your kindness.
Retha & Sylvia
Retha & Sylvia are true Prayer Warriors. They prayed over me for continued success with the KICFF and sponsoships for our KICFF Presents… TV show. I ended down on the floor through the power of their prayers. Thank you, Retha & Sylvia.
Doug
Doug Stroup is the COO of CAPS Studios. We had a very engaging talk about the KICFF and possible future ventures. Thank you, Doug.
Dr. Nancy J. & Angela
TV host Dr. Nancy J. Lewis and Theatrical Producer Angela Onuzo, blessed the KICFF by inviting me to the annual All Nations Celebration at Resurrection Church in Union City, GA. It was a glorious day of live performances, fellowshipping and food. Thank you, Dr. Nancy J. & Angela.
A FABULOUS 2025 Spring KICFF
THE BELIEVER
Thank YOU, Adam Phelps of RiseUP Con, for believing in the mission of the KICFF to showcase the works of creative Christians honoring God in “The Spirit of Excellence & Service.” We truly appreciate you blessing us with more than seven hours to present projects from filmmakers across America and Canada at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. The feedback we’ve received has been incredibly inspiring. You and your team were extremly welcoming and helpful in assisting us to make it a great first-time at RiseUP Con. We hope to team up again soon!
THE TEAM
Thank YOU, Ladies of the 2025 Spring KICFF. You were each so giving of your time and talents in helping to make this a spectacular and memorable event for filmmakers of all levels.
Ava Hawk (L) spent countless hours creating social media marketing materials, award-show graphics, and award certificates. Plus, she blessed us by performing our National Anthem and opening prayer at RiseUP Con, along with hosting Red Carpet interviews. Monique Cramer (C) was brilliant and insightful in her work judging many of the submissions. She also was a very valuable consultant and worked tirelessly to capture countless pictures from the Red Carpet and screenings at RiseUP Con. Randa Blackley (R) helped Rob Ekno form the initial foundation of the KICFF with her tireless work and dedicated service to God by creating our original marketing materials and award-certificates, along with being a very valuable consultant and Red Carpet Host. God blessed the 2024 & 2025 KICFF’s with three of His most loyal servants.
2025 SPRING KICFF BLESSINGS
John Schlitt
Nikita Koloff
John Schlitt
John is best known for being the lead singer of the Christian rock band PETRA. He has one of the kindest and most humble hearts. You can easily see the appreciation he has for the blessings and talent that God has provided him. John asked how he could help Rob Ekno with the KICFF and told Rob to expect a call from his assistant. Thank you, John !
Josh Emerson
Nikita Koloff
John Schlitt
Josh is not only powerful in stature, but in his walk with God. Like many actors in Hollywood are now doing, Josh is sacrificing the bigger paychecks for his dedication to fulfilling his soul with meaningful projects in the faith-based genra. He has a very welcoming personality and blessed the 2025 Spring KICFF with his time and enlightening conversations.
Kevin Sorbo
Nikita Koloff
Nikita Koloff
KICFF Founding Director Rob Ekno was blessed to first work with Kevin Sorbo on a movie in Hollywood years ago, before each left for greener pastures. As Kevin & Adam Phelps began RiseUP Con in 2024, Rob had simultaneously followed God’s lead and began the KICFF. This year, the two groups teamed up for an extremely blessed RiseUP Con.
Nikita Koloff
Nikita Koloff
Nikita Koloff
Former professional wrestling champion turned Man of God, Nikita has a vibrant and straightforward personality when he talks about his relationship with the Lord. Nikita and his former wrestling buddy, Lex Luger, run a powerful Man Camp twice a year, to help small groups of men become better husbands, fathers, and men in the community.
A VERY SPECIAL RISEUP CON BLESSING
Monique & Jody
Jo-Ann “Jody” Wilhelm
Jo-Ann Wilhelm did extensive research and discovered that in 2024 when she wrote and directed “Letters To Stephanie” at 84-years old, that she was the oldest first-time woman, feature film director, EVER! Now 85, we were honored to present Jo-Ann with the Silver Medal for Feature Film and bring her on stage at RiseUP Con to recognize her
Jo-Ann Wilhelm did extensive research and discovered that in 2024 when she wrote and directed “Letters To Stephanie” at 84-years old, that she was the oldest first-time woman, feature film director, EVER! Now 85, we were honored to present Jo-Ann with the Silver Medal for Feature Film and bring her on stage at RiseUP Con to recognize her for such an amazing accomplishment. She was beyond grateful for the award and blessed the KICFF with her inspiring and loving personality. Thank YOU, Jo-Ann, for showing us that it truly is NEVER too late to go after our dreams.
Jody & Ava
Jody & Ava
KICCF AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS ON CLUB 36
WATCH THE REPLAY
If you missed any of the energetic and entertaining 2025 Spring KICFF Live From RiseUP Award Announcement Show live on WBPI TV Club 36 on June 13, click the button below to watch the two hour show. Special thanks to the Watchmen Broadcasting WBPI TV Club 36 team: Dorothy, Russell, Tamra, Chris, Jennifer, Adam, Brantley, Kyle, Angela, & Linda for a tremendously God-filled show. The KICFF sends you our utmost appreciation.
Dorothy Spaulding Club 36
members of the WBPI production team
Director - Adam Kiss
THANK YOU
Special thanks to each of the wonderful folks who helped make our 2025 Spring KICFF Award Announcement Show a tremendous success, including Producer Jennifer, who guided us through the maze. And thank YOU, God, for continuing to open avenues for us to showcase the works of creative Christians honoring YOU in “The Spirit of Service & Excellence."
Sound Engineer - Brantley
Sound Engineer - Brantley
Technical Director - Savannah
Rob & Dorothy - Club 36